For 780 days, Border Patrol agents nationwide have worked to honor one of their fallen brothers, Javier Vega, Jr., who was murdered on August 3, 2014 by two previously deported illegal aliens. Today that vigil ends as the United States Border Patrol declares the murder of Javier Vega, Jr. a line of duty death. Border Patrol Agent Vega's name will be enshrined at the Customs and Border Protection Valor Memorial so all that visit that sacred spot will know of his sacrifice.

This has been a very difficult time for his family, friends, and colleagues. Our thoughts and prayers remain with them as does our support.

We would like to thank Local 3307, the National Border Patrol Council, Senator Cornyn, Senator McCain, Rep. Vela, Rep. McCaul, Rep. Carter, and the countless Border Patrol agents and citizens who supported this cause from the beginning. Thank you to Chief Morgan and the United States Border Patrol for looking at this situation anew and classifying it as a line of duty death.